As we discuss the 5 Best Francis Ford Coppola Movies, we must accept that there is no denying Francis Ford Coppola is a prolific director. Not only is he involved in the film industry, but he has several other endeavors, including a wine company and a film production studio. He has collaborated with George Lucas and a multitude of other actors, to include the late Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Al Pacino, and Angelica Huston. He has directed an amazing body of work, from mafia movies to wartime movies. Let’s take a look at the 5 Best Francis Ford Coppola movies that have the most staying power.
5 Best Francis Ford Coppola Movies You Can Enjoy Anytime
The Godfather (all of them)
It seems very appropriate to start off with The Godfather, as Coppola is best known for this trilogy. The story follows the Corleone family, in particular Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, and his dealings with his family and the ins and outs of organized crime. Each of the three movies won multiple awards, thus bringing this genre into mainstream cinema. It goes without saying that The Sopranos series was influenced by this.
Without any doubt, one of the 5 Best Francis Ford Coppola Movies to ever watch.
The Conversation
Always one to love a good mystery, Francis Ford Coppola wrote, produced, and directed this 1974 film. This movie starred Gene Hackman, John Cazale, and Cindy Williams (of Laverne & Shirley fame). This film was nominated for and garnered many awards. In 1995, it was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry. Interestingly, the 1998 flick Enemy of the State could be considered a follow-up to this film. This film definitely deserves a place on the list of Francis Ford Coppola‘s top five most influential films.
Apocalypse Now
In this epic wartime drama piece, Coppola directed Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, and Robert Duvall. Duvall‘s character is assigned to investigate a rogue colonel (played by Brando) during the Vietnam War. The movie was inspired by Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. The filming of this movie took a long time and suffered many setbacks, but the finished product went on to win many awards. It is easily considered one of the greatest films ever made. It could be said that Jack Nicholson‘s role in A Few Good Men paid homage to Marlon Brando’s role as the colonel.
For all the accolades the movie got, it definitely deserves to be part of the 5 Best Francis Ford Coppola movies.
Peggy Sue Got Married
…And she almost got divorced! You might think that this one is a little different for Francis Ford Coppola. It is and it isn’t. This was made during the time when the Back to the Future franchise was gaining traction. It is a light movie, but has certainly some deep, meaningful themes. Kathleen Turner (hot off Romancing the Stone fame) knocked it out of the park, playing the title character. Nicolas Cage, also Coppola’s nephew, portrayed her husband. The film easily won over viewers and was nominated for many awards, including best cinematography, costume design, and best actress. This movie is proof that Francis Ford Coppola could create fantasy films.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Gary Oldman, Keanu Reeves, and Winona Ryder starred in this film about the Count of Transylvania. A dark, moody piece, filmed against rich gothic buildings and dank landscapes, won over viewers and critics alike. Gary Oldman portrayed Dracula, and was a true chameleon. There were at least four or five iterations of the Count, from vampire to monster, and Oldman tackled them perfectly. Coppola directed a lush, visual, and romantic masterpiece for audiences to treasure. Fun fact: Oldman took this film because he wanted to work with Coppola, and he wanted to say the famous line “I’ve crossed oceans of time to find you.”
Conclusion
The 5 Best Francis Ford Coppola movies list is not exhaustive, therefore, a couple of honorable mentions would be Gardens of Stone and The Cotton Club. A master at his craft, Coppola can transform his directorial vision with ease. Most every film of his has multiple meanings and themes. Francis Ford Coppola has made some extraordinarily memorable pieces. He is truly one of the greatest living directors of our time.
